A CLINICAL STUDY OF PARANEOPLASTIC DERMATOSES IN INTERNAL MALIGNANCY

BACKGROUND Paraneoplastic dermatoses are rare dermatological entities that are difficult to diagnose. However, when identified, facilitate the diagnosis of underlying malignancy. Malignancies affecting the internal organs display cutaneous manifestations in the form of nonspecific lesion (Paraneoplastic dermatoses). This aim is to study the frequency with which paraneoplastic dermatoses are associated with internal malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS 100 cases of internal malignancy confirmed by biopsy were taken for study from August, September, October, November 2013 -4 months' duration. These patients were attending Oncology Outpatient and Inpatient Department at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangalore. RESULTS Paraneoplastic dermatoses seen in 19 cases. Acquired ichthyosis was common and seen in 10 cases, generalised pruritus seen in 3 cases, herpes zoster seen in 3 cases. Acanthosis nigricans, palmar plantar keratoderma, petechial haemorrhage seen one each in carcinoma breast, carcinoma lung, acute lymphatic leukaemia respectively. Herpes zoster shows multidermatomal involvement in one case. One case of acute lymphatic leukaemia had both generalised pruritus and acquired ichthyosis CONCLUSION Paraneoplastic dermatoses have associated with neoplasms. Recognition of dermatoses may lead to early diagnosis and treatment of underlying malignancy.